Cheep stunt lands Rufus in trouble

Hull KR could be forced to clip the wings of their mascot, Rufus the Robin, after complaints about his behaviour at the derby match against Hull last month.

The club have confirmed that they have been contacted by the management company that runs the KC Stadium, Hull's home ground, which staged the match for Richard Horne's testimonial.

Rufus is alleged to have wiggled his rear at Hull supporters during the game – something that is apparently sufficient to inflame one of rugby league's more volatile rivalries.

Rovers are taking it seriously enough to have launched an investigation, which could result in the wearer of the Robin costume being sacked and banned. But the club have reassured fans that it will not mean the end of the popular mascot. "We fully understand the fans and their support for Rufus," said a statement on their website.

Rovers have resigned themselves to being without their new signing Joel Clinton for their opening Super League match at home to Salford on Sunday. The former Australian Test prop has signed a three-year contract, but is still waiting for his visa.

Rovers will also be without Ben Galea, who is recovering from knee ligament damage, but the Salford full-back Karl Fitzpatrick is free to play after being found guilty of striking but escaping a ban.

Crusaders have added Weller Hauraki, a New Zealand-born back-rower released by Parramatta, to their squad to play Wigan tomorrow night.